Lakeland police Monday said they are searching for Thomas S. Waring in the shooting death of a 26-year-old Lakeland man last month. Waring, 25, is a suspect in the killing of Christopher Campbell, who was found dead in a vehicle Nov. 11 in the 1200 block of Wright Drive, according to an LPD statement. Residents reported shots were fired in the area just before Campbell was found shot to death.

By ELVIA MALAGONTHE LEDGER

LAKELAND | Lakeland police Monday said they are searching for Thomas S. Waring in the shooting death of a 26-year-old Lakeland man last month.

Waring, 25, is a suspect in the killing of Christopher Campbell, who was found dead in a vehicle Nov. 11 in the 1200 block of Wright Drive, according to an LPD statement. Residents reported shots were fired in the area just before Campbell was found shot to death.

The owner of the vehicle told police he let Campbell use it to meet someone, but he didn't provide more details.

Campbell's mother, Debra Campbell, said the family has kept in contact with detectives and used Facebook to spread information about the case.

The family spent the weekend passing out Crime Stoppers bulletins in the area where her son was found.

"I'm very emotional and pleased all at the same time," she said Monday.

"I'm very pleased that the police have done an awesome job working with the community."

Since Campbell died, his first son has been born. The baby, born a week ago, was named after his father, Debra Campbell said.

She learned about the suspect being named Monday and said she doesn't think Waring was friends with her son.

"We are managing one day at a time," she said. "Our spiritual faith is getting us through this."

Police said Waring is considered armed and dangerous.

He is facing a first-degree murder charge.

According to the Florida Department of Corrections website, Waring has served time in prison on cocaine and fleeing from law enforcement charges.

Anyone with information about Waring's whereabouts can call police at 863-834-8973 or Crime Stoppers at 800-226-8477.

[ Elvia Malagon can be reached at elvia.malagon@theledger.com or 863-802-7550. Her Twitter is @ledger911. ]